INSIDE THIS ISSUE What’s Happening @ CBS ..................... 2 President’s Message.................................. 3 Cantor’s Notes.......................................... 4 Passover 2017 ............................................ 5 Fundraising .................................................. 6 Holidays ....................................................... 7 Youth ........................................................... 8 Purim at CBS .............................................. 9 SH/MC 2017-2018 Slate .................. 10-11 Adult Learning & Programming ...................................... 12-13 Anniversaries/Birthdays ......................... 14 Calendar .................................................... 15 Keruv ......................................................... 16 Library........................................................ 17 Sisterhood........................................... 18-19 Men’s Club .......................................... 20-21 Donations ........................................... 22-23 Yahrzeits ................................................... 24 Milestones ................................................. 25 Advertisements ................................. 26-27 Candle Lighting and Services................ 28 Rabbi ................................................... Aaron Melman Cantor ..................................................Steven Stoehr Assistant Rabbi ..................................... Ari Averbach Executive Director ............................ Michael Garlin Director of Jewish Life & Learning ................................................. Leann Blue Director of Education ......................... David Barany Ritual Director ................................ Raquel Gershon Director of Youth Activities................ Matt Rissien Controller ......................................... Susan Karlinsky President ..........................................Larry Grossman Sisterhood President................................. Beth Sher Men’s Club President ............................Scott Rogoff USY President ................................... Brandon Gitles
Rabbi Emeritus .......................................Carl Wolkin Executive Director Emeritus .................................... Harvey Gold, FSA z’l Director of Education Emeritus ................... Rabbi Sander J. Mussman, RJE
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APRIL 2017 • VOLUME 50, ISSUE 20
RABBI MELMANS REVELATIONS I am always looking for new ways to make the Seder more interesting and engaging. As you might imagine, talking with colleagues and friends certainly helps with the creativity. So, thanks to all who have helped in these suggestions. The first suggestion comes from a common complaint that I hear from people about their Seders. People have said to me in the past that there is too much reading, talking and singing that is supposed to be done before the actual meal begins. The Rabbis actually did this on purpose. They knew that if the eating came first and the talking afterwards, not many people would do the talking part. So, they put the talking first and the eating afterwards.
probably done at most homes for two reasons. First, it comes toward the beginning; and second, it is a part customarily reserved in many households for the “youngest” person at the table, giving that person an opportunity to show off what he or she has learned.
One suggestion that relates to the four questions is to have your guests write four questions of their own prior to coming to the Seder. The cards are then collected at the Seder and placed in a hat. Then, at certain places during the course of the Seder, the hat is passed around as someone draws a card out and reads the question. Everyone discusses the question for a few minutes and then the Seder continues. Sample questions might include: In what way do you feel you are leaving your own Egypt tonight? What The biggest problem with this order is that symbol would you add to the Seder plate and people get hungry. Children especially, need what does it represent? If you had to leave to eat, but even us adults begin wondering behind your present life (like our ancestors when we will get to the food. There is a soludid when they left Egypt) what would you tion to this problem. After Kiddush, we wash want to take with you and why? our hands and then we all say the blessing over vegetables (borei pri ha’adamah). We The last suggestion that I have is not to skip then dip some vegetables in salt water and eat the last part. After the meal, while we are all them. Well, I have to tell you that now that digesting the delicious food, it is a good time we have said the blessing over vegetables, we to thank God for our ability to enjoy such a can as many vegetables at we want. I first saw feast. After the meal, we do this - the first this when Elisa and I spent a year living in Isra- thing is Birkat HaMazon, Grace After Meals. el while I was in Rabbinical School. We went The next thing (after opening the door for to friends for the Seder and they had different Elijah) is Hallel Psalms of praise. The last thing types of vegetables on the table so that peo- is to sing popular Passover songs which are ple could eat them before the meal. fun for the family to sing together. Recently, many funny Passover songs have also been There are two main requirements at the written. This is quality family time for us to Seder. Both of these requirements are menenjoy together. It is a shame not to use it. tioned in the Talmud. The first requirement is that someone has to ask a question, and the I hope that these suggestions enable all of us second is to tell of the Exodus from Egypt. to have a more inspiring Pesach this year. Our Haggadah deals with the issue of questions by having someone ask the Four Ques- Chag v’Kasher Sameach tions. This is a part of the Haggadah that is